17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Adopted DSP Policies and PMC Comments and Modifications to AGFUO during DSP Update (i.e. existing Civic Center area) (on page 27) is stated as being "to the extent feasible," seemed vague. Staff clarified at the February 26, 2019, Task Force meeting that this language was deliberately inserted because the precise configuration of the streets and blocks in the district was not yet known and it may not be feasible to require an active frontage in all locations. During the public outreach that took place during the November-December 2018 timeframe: - some expressed concern that people who own properties along Main Street should have ability to lease them to highest rent payer even if not "active." - in response to concerns, staff clarified that no changes would be required for existing business that are not currently "active" along Main Street, i.e. they would be treated as legal non-conforming uses. - some groups encouraged active ground floor uses on Main Street. - cautioned as the character of downtown Pleasanton evolves and changes, we need to encourage improvements and investment. - public comment regarding bank buildings, specifically, requested either relief from the active ground floor use requirement or consideration of adding a bank conversion program that may help bank buildings convert to active uses more quickly and easily. In response to the above-noted concerns regarding the challenges in leasing large, purpose-built bank buildings, staff recommended that a specific exception be incorporated into the DSP such that these buildings are exempt from the active ground floor use requirement. The Task Force agreed with this approach at its February 26, 2019, meeting and City Council during its April 16 and May 7 check-in meetings did not direct any changes to this approach. Therefore, one of the exceptions to Policy LD-P.19, Exceptions to the Active Ground Floor Use Requirement, is that the subject location is that the tenant is located in an existing, purpose-built building containing a bank or financial institution as its primary tenant/occupant. Additionally, the PMC as excerpted below identifies that the overlay does not apply to buildings containing existing banks or financial institutions. Adopted PMC 18.81.020 Applicability D. The overlay shall not apply to buildings containing banks or financial institutions existing as of the date of adoption of this chapter, and pur ose-built for such uses. 5